Festive fun

We hope you are enjoying a festive break wherever you are in the World and would like to wish you all the best for 2026.

Here in Maharashtra, we are still buzzing from all the excitement of this year’s Christmas celebrations for our residents. Thanks to a few generous donors who took advantage of the match funding available via Global Giving on Giving Tuesday in December, we secured enough funds to ensure a fantastic day for our 300 women, children and caregiving staff.

The day started when our children woke up to find stockings at the ends of their beds, filled with small gifts, chocolates and an orange, delivered by Santa Claus while they slept. After breakfast they boarded our buses to be taken to a local hotel with a huge lawn, filled with activities including inflatables, candy floss and beauty parlour to name but a few. A special Christmas dinner and mocktails were served by waiting staff with more than enough to enjoy seconds and thirds and fourths…

Musical chairs, more activities and a lucky dip, which ensured an individual gift for all, kept everyone busy after lunch. All too soon it was time to head home, but the magic wasn’t over. Following afternoon snacks, a police escort revealed Santa Claus arriving to deliver more gifts to each dormitory. The excitement his arrival caused was incredible and he took time to interact with all children. They loved their gifts and after a light dinner they were able to enjoy a Christmas movie. The day ended with a lot of tired and full but happy people.

Your support allows us to give our children, women and the staff who care for them 24/7 memories like this that last a lifetime. Thank you for ensuring our children don’t miss out on the festivals and celebrations that many of us take for granted. We sincerely hope that you and your loved ones were able to share an equally amazing time these holidays.